US4062072A - Portable bidets - Google Patents

Portable bidets Download PDF

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Publication number
US4062072A
US4062072A US05/710,879 US71087976A US4062072A US 4062072 A US4062072 A US 4062072A US 71087976 A US71087976 A US 71087976A US 4062072 A US4062072 A US 4062072A
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Prior art keywords
nozzle
water
bidet
discharge tube
bidet according
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Expired - Lifetime
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US05/710,879
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English (en)
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Arthur Bruce Roberts
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Individual
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Individual
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/08—Devices in the bowl producing upwardly-directed sprays; Modifications of the bowl for use with such devices ; Bidets; Combinations of bowls with urinals or bidets; Hot-air or other devices mounted in or on the bowl, urinal or bidet for cleaning or disinfecting
    • E03D9/085—Hand-held spray heads for bidet use or for cleaning the bowl
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
    • A47K3/26—Bidets without upward spraying means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to bidets and more particularly to a portable bidet attachment, that may be utilized in conjunction with any conventional toilet facility.
  • the bidet In its most general form, the bidet is provided as a complete bathroom fixture, requiring its own plumbing. This type of device has however failed to achieve popularity, since in the average household bathroom, there is a lack of available space. In addition, the high retail and installation costs have tended to reduce the attractability of such a facility.
  • Toilet seats are always being dropped, which in this case could not only result in damage to the numerous components within the seat, but the very weight of the seat, if brought down heavily on the toilet bowl could cause extensive damage.
  • the second disadvantage is that this particular device embodies many components actuated by electricity. Since the device is being used in close proximity to water, the problem of corrosion must be faced which could ultimately cause electrical shorting, possible fire, and even electrocution of the user.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,602,921 issued to H. M. Umann on Sept. 7th, 1971.
  • This particular attachment for toilets includes a hand operated pump which is removably attached to the side of a toilet bowl and a bidet nozzle which is removably attached to the rear side of the toilet seat.
  • the pump and nozzle are connected by a hose, and the pump is arranged to receive a removable, collapsable bag which retains the supply of water. Water pressure cannot however be maintained, since the device relies on manual actuation of the pump.
  • This invention while able to dispense an aqueous cleansing solution (soap) or medicinal solution, could not dispense rinse water ro remove for example the soap without refilling the specified container with water.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,124 issued Sept. 20, 1971 to Henry G. Marcard and Carlos A. Vincenzi, discloses a portable bidet adapted for attachment to a conventional toilet.
  • This particular apparatus has a fluid delivery pipe rotatably connected to a pivot valve such that it may rotate from its inactive position adjacent the internal rim of the toilet bowl to an operating position in the center of the bowl.
  • a heat and thermostatic valve are provided to heat the water, and a dump valve is used to assist in the automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl.
  • This particular device has a number of disadvantages which could render it impracticable.
  • the device according to this patent will not operate as an effective bidet at low or variable water pressures, since the mechanism will position the spray nozzle in the center of the toilet bowl only if the control valve is moved to a position of three-fourths to full open immediately. If the valve is opened slowly, the nozzle will not reach the center of the toilet bowl due to opposing spring action, and will therefore spray off center. There is also the possibility, that the water will start to spray before the nozzle reaches the center of the toilet bowl and also continue spraying after the nozzle starts to return to its off position.
  • a portable bidet which comprises an adaptor facilitating the interconnection of the bidet with a source of water under pressure; a water discharge tube and nozzle mounted to permit movement from an inoperative position substantially beneath the internal rim of the toilet bowl to a predetermined operative position wherein the nozzle lies substantially centrally of the bowl; a valve for variably controlling the flow of water to the discharge tube and nozzle and manually operable lever pivotally mounted adjacent the bowl but externally thereof whereby initial movement of the lever affects movement of the discharge tube and nozzle to the operative position. Continued movement of the lever in the same direction causes gradual opening of the valve without causing further displacement of the discharge tube and nozzle from the operating position.
  • the adaptor is formed to accept hot and cold water streams and to mix these streams to a predetermined operating temperature.
  • the discharge tube and nozzle is displaced by contact between a first projecting portion of the lever and an actuator mounted on a shaft, the end of the shaft remote from the actuator carrying a member adapted to engage a discharge tube and cause movement thereof about a flexible portion of the tube adjacent the member.
  • the actuator may be formed with a cam-like profile which permits movement of the discharge tube and nozzle only to the desired operating position, or, as a pinion engageable with a rack carried by the first projecting portion of the lever.
  • the rack should be dimensioned sufficiently to allow movement of the discharge tube and nozzle only to the desired operating positions.
  • the operating lever in the preferred embodiment is provided with a second projecting portion spaced from the first projecting portion longitudinally of the lever towards the distal end thereof, and the actuation of the water valve supplying water to the discharge tube and nozzle is a result of contact between the valve and this second projecting portion.
  • the invention further provides that fluid other than water may be introduced into the water being discharged through the nozzle, this fluid being for example a soap solution or a medical preparation.
  • a suitable compartmented container is provided, releasably attached to the bidet mechanism, for retention of these additional fluids, which may be extracted and intermixed with the main flow of water passing through the bidet by a siphoning system used in conjunction with a venturi tube.
  • the invention further contemplates the provision of a drying facility in the form of a hot air blower and hot air discharge nozzle which may be positioned at the rear of the toilet bowl in-between the bowl and the seat.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one type of fitting, as may be used to facilitate the use of the device according to the present invention in a conventional bathroom.
  • FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of an alternative device for attaching the invention to a faucet.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bidet mechanism as fastened to a toilet bowl rim, showing the lever action and how it relates to the positioning of the discharge nozzle and modulation of water supply to the discharge nozzle.
  • FIG. 3 (on sheet 3) is a side view of the bidet mechanism from the exterior of the toilet bowl, and shows the water control valve and water course, in addition to the valves, venturi spouts, and control buttons which govern the dispensing of soap and medication from the separable container which depends from the base of the bidet mechanism.
  • the actuating lever has been omitted for sake of clarity.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the bidet mechanism as seen from the interior of the toilet bowl, and shows the discharge tube and nozzle, as well as the mechanism uuilized to position the nozzle within the toilet bowl when in use.
  • FIG. 5 (on sheet 2) is a part section of a preferred discharge tube and nozzle, the nozzle being formed to provide a focused spray.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the entire bidet attached to a toilet bowl rim.
  • FIG. 7 shows in perspective the arrangement of a hot air drying unit which may be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 and 1a disclose two alternative methods of connecting the bidet to a source of hot and cold water.
  • connection which will be used in, for example, a bathroom fixture, we have an adaptor generally indicated at 10, which draws hot and cold water from the main supply through water pipes 11. Connection can be affected by drilling a hole into both pipes, however should the pipe diameter be too small, the pipes will have to be cut and a "tee" with an opening installed. The water will then pass through pressure valves 12, spring-loaded check valve 13 to outlet 15 via yoke 14. Outlet 15 being provided with a male screw coupling for interconnection with the female coupling15 of the bidet attachment.
  • FIG. 1a A simpler, and less permanent attachment is invisaged by FIG. 1a where a slip and clamp-on rubber device 17 is placed over, for example a wash basin, or bath tub water faucet. This may be held in place by means of a clamping bar 18 with cords 19 to secure same to the faucet. Mixed hot and cold water at the desired temperature will then pass through flexible hose 19 to the male coupling 20. Interconnection with the bidet attachment can be affected as before utilizing female coupling 16.
  • Control lever 25 By manual depression of control lever 25 towards the toilet bowl, the control lever, which is preferably formed as integral component of the bidet body will pivot at "A" of FIG. 2, causing the lever arm 26 to move against actuating cam 27 and rotate the control rod 28 (FIGS. 2 and 4), causing the control arm 29 (FIG. 4) to bend, the spray hose 30 and swing discharge nozzle 39 (FIG. 5), to the desired position within the toilet bowl.
  • the control arm 29 is connected to control rod 28 (FIG. 4) by a splined end 32 and locking screw 33, in order to allow for adjustment in the positioning of the discharge nozzle 31 within different sized toilet bowls.
  • a rack and pinion assembly could be utilized to control the rotation and positioning of the discharge hose and nozzle.
  • cam 27 would be replaced by a suitable sized pinion, and an engaging rack, formed on or attached to projection or lever arm 26.
  • control lever 25 In use, control lever 25 is depressed towards the toilet bowl under shoulder 34 of arm 26 abuts the bidet body, at which time the discharge nozzle 31 is centrally disposed in its operating position. Further depression of the control lever 25 causes the lever to bend essentially at "B" in FIG. 2, at which time projection 35 on control lever 25 will contact actuator 23 causing same to rotate. Minimum depression of control lever 25 from this position, will cause minimum rotation of actuator 23 and therefore a minimum flow through the ball control valve 22 (FIG. 2 and 3). Conversely, a maximum depression of the control lever 25 will cause full opening of control valve 22 and therefore a maximum flow of water to the discharge nozzle. Thus, nozzle pressure is determined by the amount of control lever depression, or bending, after shoulder 34 has come to rest against the bidet body.
  • control lever 25 While in the preferred embodiment, the flexibility of control lever 25 is considered sufficient to cause the retraction of the mechanism, springs may be incorporated to assist in the full extension of the lever to its original position. As will also be appreciated, return of the control lever to its inoperative position may also be assisted by the anti-clockwise motion of the actuating cam 27.
  • FIG. 3 a further attachment to the device according to the invention is shown in the form of a dual container generally indicated at 39.
  • this container is separated into two compartments 40 and 41, compartment 40 containing liquid soap, and compartment 41 containing a deoderant solution, or, if required, a liquid medicine.
  • Container 39 is releasably attached to the bidet mechanism by hooks or hangers 43.
  • buttons 44 and 45 may be depressed.
  • valves 46 the spraying pressure, or other action will not be affected by the opening or closing of valves 46.
  • screw caps 49 are removed and container 39 detached from the bidet mechanism.
  • Plastic tubes 48 with attached filters 47 can be removed from the compartment and the compartments refilled as desired.
  • the liquid could be introduced into the water spray by a hand or finger actuated pump thus simplifying the bidet mechanism by removing the necessity for valves 46 and venturi tubes 37.
  • the temperature, and maximum water pressure of the spray discharged from nozzle 31 is determined from valves 12 which are attached to the hot and cold water pipes as in FIG. 1, or by the faucet settings when the slip and clamp-on device 18 on FIG. 1a is installed on the water spout of a basin or bathtub. Initially prior to operating the bidet and making the connection to the main water supply, the faucet to the basin or bathtub should be opened until the hot water reaches its maximum temperature and the cold water reaches its minimum temperature (especially during the winter months), so that the water in pipes 11 can be mixed to a safe and comfortable temperature.
  • valves 12 In order to adjust a comfortable water temperature and maximum water pressure, valves 12 should be open to maximum flow and then the control lever 25 fully depressed. The palm of the hand may then be held above the discharge nozzle 31, or, prior to the coupling of the bidet mechanism with adaptor 10 below male connection 15 or 20 (FIGS. 1 and 1a ), and the valves 12 adjusted until a comfortable temperature and maximum pressure are obtained. The same procedure could be followed with the connection as shown in FIG. 1a, by for example, making adjustments to faucet before attachment of the slip and clamp-on connection 17.
  • valves 12 control the temperature and "maximum” pressure of the water to the bidet mechanism, while the control valve 22 controls the “variable” pressure of the water to the discharge nozzle.
  • ports 50 of the discharge nozzle 31 are designed to focus the spray 51 to a point which in practice would be between 4 and 5 inches above the discharge nozzle. By focusing the water spray in this manner, the area wetted during the cleansing action of the spray will be kept to a minimum, while directing the water to that area requiring cleansing.
  • FIG. 6 the bidet mechanism according to the invention is shown in its operating position attached to the rim of a toilet bowl 24. Actuation of the control lever 25 is directionally presented by arrows C and D and the various components enumerated.
  • a fan unit and air venting device may be incorporated in order to provide a drying action to the area wetted by the spray nozzle.
  • this drying device which again is completely portable, may consist of a fan unit 60, which can discharge air at ambient or heated temperatures through a soft plastic hose 61 to an air vent, or nozzle 62 which is designed to fit between the toilet seat 63 (shown in phantom) and the toilet bowl 24, at the rear of the bowl, and discharge air towards the front of the bowl, in the direction of arrows "E".
  • the fan unit 60 may be suspended behind the toilet bowl by means of cord 64 which connects the fan to the air vent of the opposite side of the hose connection.
  • the fan may be operated by a control button 65 which preferably would be clipped onto the rear portion of the bidet control lever mechanism, the fan only operating during the time the button is depressed.
  • Fan unit 60 and/or nozzle 62 may be mounted conveniently on the studs which connect the toilet seat to the toilet bowl. It is believed that a preset, fixed air temperature would be sufficient for general purposes, however a variable control 66, shown integrated with button 65, could be included, operable to either increase or decrease the fan speed or increase or decrease current flow to the heating element.
  • the invention When the invention is being utilized in a commercial installation, it may include a cover to provide means whereby tampering may be prevented.
  • the cover (not illustrated), will completely enclose the bidet mechanism and depending container with holes provided to allow for entry of pipes or hoses, control lever, and access to the buttons 44 and 45.
  • a simple locking device would be provided to lock the cover in place on the rim of the toilet bowl and to facilitate quick removal of the cover to enable servicing of the unit, and cleansing of the toilet bowl rim. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description. Accordingly the description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of leading those skilled in the art, the manner of carrying out the invention.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
US05/710,879 1975-12-11 1976-08-02 Portable bidets Expired - Lifetime US4062072A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA241,564A CA1019902A (en) 1975-12-11 1975-12-11 Portable bidets
CA241564 1975-12-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4062072A true US4062072A (en) 1977-12-13

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ID=4104727

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US05/710,879 Expired - Lifetime US4062072A (en) 1975-12-11 1976-08-02 Portable bidets

Country Status (6)

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US (1) US4062072A (ja)
JP (1) JPS5271896A (ja)
CA (1) CA1019902A (ja)
DE (1) DE2654640A1 (ja)
FR (1) FR2334791A1 (ja)
GB (1) GB1569771A (ja)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4259754A (en) * 1979-10-19 1981-04-07 Jacob Bader Portable bidet
US4422189A (en) * 1981-11-17 1983-12-27 Guy Couvrette Toilet seat sanitary fixture
US4642820A (en) * 1984-06-28 1987-02-17 Boring Jr Glenn E Bidet
US6671892B1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2004-01-06 Gary L. Plyant Bidet, douche and enema system
US11421411B2 (en) 2018-12-19 2022-08-23 Bemis Manufacturing Company Washing toilet seat
US11577968B2 (en) 2019-05-17 2023-02-14 Metatomic, Inc. Systems and methods for fast molten salt reactor fuel-salt preparation

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5829670U (ja) * 1981-08-14 1983-02-25 松下電工株式会社 人体局部洗浄体の水洗便器への取付構造
ES1021706Y (es) * 1992-06-24 1993-06-16 Jodar Periago Juan Limpiador higienico adaptable a inodoros.
TW253005B (ja) * 1993-03-09 1995-08-01 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd
US5826282A (en) * 1994-03-09 1998-10-27 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Sanitary cleaning apparatus

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1866930A (en) * 1930-09-30 1932-07-12 Watairway Mfg Corp Sanitary water-closet attachment
US2104271A (en) * 1937-06-23 1938-01-04 Parisini Primo Spraying device for evacuation
US2605477A (en) * 1949-08-22 1952-08-05 Monserrat Enrique Anus spraying apparatus
US2762058A (en) * 1954-09-24 1956-09-11 American Radiator & Standard Sanitary fixture
US2774078A (en) * 1954-12-13 1956-12-18 Pazos Nicolas Bidet seat
US2852782A (en) * 1956-05-09 1958-09-23 Sundberg Gottfrid Sanitary spray attachment for toilet bowl
US3045248A (en) * 1961-10-03 1962-07-24 Merle O Gentry Sanitary rectal fountain
US3513487A (en) * 1968-01-08 1970-05-26 Santo Palermo Douching attachment
US3570015A (en) * 1968-08-01 1971-03-16 Fabian Rosengaus Douching device
US3605124A (en) * 1969-09-18 1971-09-20 Henry G Marcard Portable bidet
US3781919A (en) * 1972-08-11 1974-01-01 J Ayala Bidet attachment

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1949415A (en) * 1932-04-09 1934-03-06 Watairway Mfg Corp Flushing arm attachment for water closets

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1866930A (en) * 1930-09-30 1932-07-12 Watairway Mfg Corp Sanitary water-closet attachment
US2104271A (en) * 1937-06-23 1938-01-04 Parisini Primo Spraying device for evacuation
US2605477A (en) * 1949-08-22 1952-08-05 Monserrat Enrique Anus spraying apparatus
US2762058A (en) * 1954-09-24 1956-09-11 American Radiator & Standard Sanitary fixture
US2774078A (en) * 1954-12-13 1956-12-18 Pazos Nicolas Bidet seat
US2852782A (en) * 1956-05-09 1958-09-23 Sundberg Gottfrid Sanitary spray attachment for toilet bowl
US3045248A (en) * 1961-10-03 1962-07-24 Merle O Gentry Sanitary rectal fountain
US3513487A (en) * 1968-01-08 1970-05-26 Santo Palermo Douching attachment
US3570015A (en) * 1968-08-01 1971-03-16 Fabian Rosengaus Douching device
US3605124A (en) * 1969-09-18 1971-09-20 Henry G Marcard Portable bidet
US3781919A (en) * 1972-08-11 1974-01-01 J Ayala Bidet attachment

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4259754A (en) * 1979-10-19 1981-04-07 Jacob Bader Portable bidet
US4422189A (en) * 1981-11-17 1983-12-27 Guy Couvrette Toilet seat sanitary fixture
US4642820A (en) * 1984-06-28 1987-02-17 Boring Jr Glenn E Bidet
US6671892B1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2004-01-06 Gary L. Plyant Bidet, douche and enema system
US11421411B2 (en) 2018-12-19 2022-08-23 Bemis Manufacturing Company Washing toilet seat
US11773579B2 (en) 2018-12-19 2023-10-03 Bemis Manufacturing Company Washing toilet seat
US11577968B2 (en) 2019-05-17 2023-02-14 Metatomic, Inc. Systems and methods for fast molten salt reactor fuel-salt preparation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2654640A1 (de) 1977-06-16
CA1019902A (en) 1977-11-01
GB1569771A (en) 1980-06-18
FR2334791A1 (fr) 1977-07-08
JPS5271896A (en) 1977-06-15
FR2334791B1 (ja) 1981-02-20

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